A6
|
EDUCATION
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 2017
Wilson Hall Teresa O’Hare Alexander and Chuck McCord were selected as one of three finalists in the middle school and high school category, respectively, for the S.C. Independent School Association State Teacher of the Year program. After being selected by their peers at the school, Alexander and McCord entered the state-level contest by submitting an essay, résume and recommendations from peers and the administration. After reading through the many submissions for Teacher of the Year from across the state, a panel of educators made the selection of the top three finalists for each division. Alexander, a 1998 graduate of Wilson Hall, teaches seventh-grade grammar, seventh-grade study skills and Leadership 101. She is the head coach for the varsity softball team. McCord teaches Advanced Placement chemistry, Chemistry I and philosophy. He is the head coach for the boys’ tennis team and is an assistant coach for the varsity football team and varsity girls’ basketball team.
Mickens and Taleyah Polk, team, Computer Slide Show; Ra’Shidah ChinaMuhammed, Introduction to Computers; and Tyler Marshall, Keyboarding Fundamentals. Fourth-place honors went to Dominique Leonard, Keyboarding Applications II, and fifth place went to Shyannah Oliver, Spreadsheet. From Chestnut Oaks Middle School, first place went to Damien Leaf, Business Math Skills. In FBLA Facts, third place went to Jada Hearrell and fourth place to Simeon Hearrell. Chydera Mathis took fifth place in Keyboarding Applications II. From Ebenezer Middle School, Introduction to Computers, Maniya Dawson and Tylik Steplight took first and second place respectively. Other secondplace winners were Kiana Pack, Keyboarding Fundamentals, and Titan Wright, Spreadsheet. Third place went to Zabien Jenkins, Keyboarding Applications II, and Jakyla Walker, Public Speaking. Samantha Huggins, Nyaja Jennings and Tamelya Jennings, team, took fifth place in Desktop Publishing Applications. From Hillcrest Middle, Tiana James and Tyler Riley, team, took fourth place in Desktop Publishing Applications.
JUNIOR CLASS RETREAT
FREE TRAINING OFFERED
As part of the curriculum, the 73 members of the junior class attended the 10th-annual junior class retreat at the Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, North Carolina on Feb. 2628. Coordinated by Laura Barr and Glen Rector, the retreat provided rising seniors with a “beyond the classroom walls” experience with a focus on loyalty, leadership and legacy. The retreat included group activities, structured discussions and opportunities for enjoying the facilities of the conference center. Activities included an obstacle course operated by the Mountain Trail Outdoor School, teambuilding exercises and cooperation games. Dr. Milt Lowder, a licensed counseling psychologist in Greenville who graduated from Wilson Hall in 1990, delivered the keynote speech with the topic of “Defining Success.” There were also presentations given by Fred Moulton, headmaster, as well as from some of the 14 faculty members who attended the retreat. Every member of the Class of 2018 had the opportunity to enjoy the significant benefits of a time set apart for community building and individual character development in a way that will not only benefit each student individually, but continue Wilson Hall’s strong tradition of effective preparation for college and beyond. — Sean Hoskins
A free training, sponsored by the Military Child Education Coalition, will be held on Wednesday, March 29, at Alice Drive Middle School. The course is sponsored by the U.S. Air Force at no cost to the participants. Helping Children Discover Their SPARC (strength, potential, aspirations, resourcefulness and confidence) is a day-long training, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., which will “provide participants with the knowledge needed to prepare young people to develop hardiness skills to meet personal and professional goals through identification of their sparks and interests while developing a growth mindset.” The course will enable participants to understand the role of caring adults in helping children reach their full potential, to interpret research on thriving and examine a four-step process to help adults support youth. Upon completion of the course, those who need continuing education credits (six hours) may apply for the credits for $25. According to John F. Kennedy, the school liaison officer at Shaw Air Force Base and the coordinator of the event, this training is appropriate for anyone who works with children. Parents and other community members are invited to attend as well. Sumter School District had approximately 100 employees undergo the training in the fall, and the knowledge and resources provided with the workshop were useful in working with military and non-military children. To register, go to www.Militarychild. org/training. For more details, contact Erica Lynch at Military Child Education Coalition at Erica.Lynch@MilitaryChild.org or call (254) 953-1923, extension 1110.
ALEXANDER, MCCORD RECEIVE TEACHING HONOR
Sumter School District FBLA STUDENTS EXCEL Students from all three Sumter School District high schools and five middle schools competed recently at the FBLA District 3 Leadership Conference at West Florence High School. More than 550 students and teachers from 28 schools in the 10 counties of District 3 attended. Crestwood High School’s first-place winners were Jalen White, Job Interview; Shonique Howard, Jaylen Hill, Kamaya Wright, Nybreea Williams and Jaleeyah Dow, team, Parliamentary Procedure; Andrew Smith, Personal Finance; Travis Johnson, Public Speaking I; and Jemia Wiggins, Public Speaking II. Second-place winners were Zaria Jones, Niaya Singleton and Mashaya Stukes, team, Business Ethics; and Kenan Davis, Job Interview. Third-place winners from Crestwood were Jermecia Rouse, Client Service, and D’Andre Young, Sales Presentation. Fourth-place honors went to Kaela James, Business Ethics, and Heidi Conyers, Introduction to Business Communication. The team of Sabrina Brisbone and Brandy Lemmon took fifth place in Emerging Business Issues. From Lakewood High School, firstplace winners were Cassety Jeriong, Accounting 2, and Infinity Montgomery, Journalism. Second place went to Taylor Lenoir, Sales Presentation. Fourth place went to Xavier Gamble, Cyber Security, and fifth-place honors went to Faith Harris, Cyber Security; D’Andre Riley, Organizational Leadership; and Tyler Lenoir, Public Speaking II. Sumter High School first-place winner was Katie Guo, Health Care Administration. Second-place honors went to Trezjon Bell, Business Calculations; Charlie Brown, Business Law; and Destiny Hester, Computer Problem Solving. Third place went to Trayvon Lincoln-Mims, Business Ethics, and Jaden Benson, Business Law. From Alice Drive Middle School, Hayden Kirkhart took second place in Keyboarding Applications II, and Ayanna Pendergrass took fourth place in Introduction to Business Communication. From Bates Middle School, first place went to Jalecia Jackson, Introduction to Business Communication, and Franklin Moore, Keyboarding Fundamentals. Second place went to Quinnya Burns and Myaha Miller, team, Computer Slide Show; and Aaliyah Cousar, Keyboarding Applications I. Third place went to Aisha Budden, Kiandra
Lattimore inspires students Former University of South Carolina football standout and NFL player Marcus Lattimore spoke to the Alice Drive Middle School football team recently. He talked of his life and how life plans can change in the blink of an eye. He urged the student athletes to “control what they can control” and “play the hand they are dealt.” The former star told the group that he had some adversity in his life, but for the most part, his life was good. He had 50 colleges looking at him during his high school career. He said Ivy League, the ACC, the SEC, all the major groups talked to him. He chose South Carolina and earned many honors and accolades, and there was talk of a possible Heisman Trophy; then he was injured. He worked hard and came back, but during the USC-Tennessee game in 2012, he suffered a serious, college career-ending injury. Finally, after surgery and rehabilitation, he made it to the NFL but was again plagued by injuries that caused him to retire. Now, at 25 years old, he said he is a head high school football coach and is happier than he has ever been. His point to the young men was that this was not the path he thought he would take, but life had other plans. His attitude and his work ethic got him through it all, and he has been successful and happy in this new chapter of his life. Lattimore reminded them that life is not always fair, but how one handles adversity and challenges is what makes the difference. He told the students how hard people work, how they treat others and what their attitude is about a situation are things people can control. Following the inspirational talk, he stayed for photographs and to sign autographs. — Mary B. Sheridan
Central Carolina Technical College STEM 10 MEETING Central Carolina Technical College, along with the Sumter School District, held a meeting Feb. 21 at the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Training
Center to provide information to faculty, students and parents regarding CCTC’s STEM 10 program. This program allows high school students to take dual-enrolled courses at CCTC and graduate with a Mechatronics Fundamentals Technician Certificate. Students can continue on to earn a Basic Mechatronics Technology Certificate and/or an Advanced Mechatronics Technology Certificate from CCTC. The program provides an introduction to basic safety, 10-hour OSHA instruction, first aid/CPR, construction, math, hand tools, power tools, blueprints, basic communication skills and basic employability skills. Also integrated into the curriculum are industrial cover wiring, contactors and relays, precision measuring tools, basic machining, basic hydraulic systems and basic pneumatic systems. The demand for technicians with proficiency and education in mechatronics has grown in the last few years and there are many local employment opportunities. Representatives from BD and Continental Tire the Americas spoke about employment possibilities and benefits that students can receive from taking advantage of this program. STEM 10 started in 2015 and is offered to sophomore, junior and senior students in the three high schools within the Sumter School District. For more information about STEM 10, contact Dr. Shirrie Miller, principal of Sumter Career and Technology Center, at (803) 481-8575, shirrie.miller@ sumterschools.net or Brent Russell, Dean of Industrial and Engineering Technology at Central Carolina Technical College, at (803) 778-6689, russellrb@ cctech.edu. Learn more about CCTC at cctech. edu. — Catherine M. Wood
St. Anne and St. Jude School MIDDLE SCHOOLER HONORED St. Anne and St. Jude Middle School student Michael Wilson was honored recently for his participation in a program designed to help scouts grow in their faith formation and to live out their faith through projects, studies and activities. This program takes six months to complete. Ad Altare Dei (to the altar of God) is the Catholic religious emblem for the Boy Scouts of America. — Kim Reisenauer
University of South Carolina Sumter SPRING BREAK The University of South Carolina Sumter will not hold classes March 6-10 because of spring break. However, campus offices will be open to serve students and the community during this time. — Misty Hatfield
Lee County School District BISHOPVILLE PRIMARY SCHOOL Bishopville Primary School held its awards program for the second nine weeks on Feb. 15. Students were recognized for A Honor Roll, A/B Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, Most Improved and Excellent Character. Parents and family members joined the celebration. Third-grade students are learning about “The Power of Music” in Katie Brabham’s music class. The students are learning to read musical notes and are playing a variety of musical instruments. Students played a musical version of “Hot or Cold” to practice playing musical notes. Studying and playing music has many benefits including: enhancing teamwork skills and discipline, providing a means of self-expression and teaching how to conquer fear and take risks. Each day, the bus drivers were given a token of appreciation that included a variety of chocolates, drinks and Lower Lee Elementary School memorabilia, for their dedication to the students. Lower Lee Elementary School would like to extend a big bear hug to its bus drivers and bus monitors: Sandra Holmes, Leroy Wilson, Debra Moore, Mary Fleming, Elaine Wilson, Reginald Fortune, Keyon Thomas, Celia Johnson, Wilhelmina Luther and Earthie Arthur. Students at Lower Lee Elementary School are Leading through Excellence on the Benchmark exam. The students achieved growth ranging from 1 to 17 percent in reading, math, science and social studies at each grade level on the exam. Lower Lee Elementary School Principal Angela Jacobs recognized the students’ achievement during a celebration on Feb. 21 which included lively music, dance, a snack and words of inspiration and motivation. Lower Lee 5K students are learning about the many contributions and inventions of black Americans. The students created stoplights after learning about Garrett Morgan, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson and Benjamin Banneker. Students were able to express their knowledge creatively by designing T-shirts in honor of Jackie Robinson and making wall clocks in honor of Benjamin Banneker. Lower Lee Elementary School has begun creating and putting the pieces of the student puzzle together through
THE SUMTER ITEM its Parent Academy. The school’s Parent Academy was held Feb. 16, and parents were presented with the opportunity to attend one of two interactive sessions facilitated by Principal Angela Jacobs. The parents were given vital information regarding student achievement, parent advocacy, personal development and personal growth. Lower Lee Elementary School would like to thank the parents and grandparents who participated in this event.
WEST LEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fifth-grade students at West Lee Elementary School had the pleasure of visiting South Carolina State University in Orangeburg on Feb. 17. During the visit, students toured the campus and explored the possibility of attending the institution after high school. West Lee Elementary School thanks guidance counselor Delphine Thomas for coordinating the trip. West Lee Elementary School celebrated its parents and grandparents on Feb. 17 during Doughnuts for Dads and Muffins for Moms. Gwendolyn Frederick, district parent liaison, presented parents with valuable information regarding Title I and parenting during the event. West Lee Elementary School thanks Frederick and all the parents and grandparents who participated in the event.
UPCOMING EVENTS The PTO will meet Tuesday at 6 p.m. The PTO breakfast/meeting will be held April 1 at Fatz Cafe in Camden.
DISTRICT WIDE Lee County School District will hold its annual Teacher Recruitment Fair from 9 a.m. to noon March 11 at Lee County School District Office, 310 Roland St., Bishopville. A list of vacancies is on the district’s website, www.leeschoolsk12.org. Interested candidates may register for this event online at http://goo.gl/forms/97L7AzGdMr. Lee Central High School’s Choral Music Department and the Choral Booster Club will host the 17th-annual African-American Sacred Music Festival and Workshop at 7 p.m. March 11 in the Lee Central High School auditorium. The festival will feature call-andresponse songs, devotional and congregational songs, spirituals, traditional and contemporary gospel songs. Minister Travis Laws will serve as the clinician. The donation for the program is $10 for adults and children over 6 and $5 for children under 6. Contact Lee Central High School Choral Director Thomas Slater at (803) 413-9945 for additional information. — Shawta McKenzie
Sumter Christian School READING CONTEST HELD Laurance Kannon’s fifth-grade class held a reading contest in February. Everyone in the class enjoyed an ice cream party for all having read more than 500 pages. Noah Pitts won first place, Thomas Sumpter won second place, and Shane Force won third place.
LEADERSHIP AWARD Administrator Ron Davis announced the names of the high school students who received the Leadership Award. This year marks the 16th year of the Leadership Awards Banquet which will be held on April 8 to honor the recipients. This award honors senior Donzell Metz; juniors Vanessa Blanton, Ashley Olberding and Allison Welch; and sophomores Bryson Cornwell and Matthew McIntyre for their exemplary Christian leadership. They demonstrate a commitment to God’s will, a cooperative spirit, dependability, a godly example to their peers, honesty, humility, punctuality, a respect for authority, self-control, a servant’s attitude, thankfulness and trustworthiness in a manner which noticeably excels the average student. — Miriam Marritt
Clarendon School District 1 ST. PAUL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL St. Paul Elementary School was honored to have George Frierson, who is a local historian and community activist, as its speaker for the black history program on Feb. 24. Frierson shared with students the importance of getting a good education and important facts about South Carolina History. The school band also performed several inspirational musical selections during the program. — Beverly Spry
Morris College SELLARS TO ADDRESS COLLEGE Morris College will host Bakari Sellars, former South Carolina representative and current CNN commentator. He will address the student body at the career services assembly on March 9, 2017, as a part of the 2017 career fest. This event will be open to the public.
RETOOL YOUR SCHOOL Morris College has been nominated for the 2017 ReTool Your School competition. The Sumter community is encouraged to vote for Morris College at www.retoolyourschool.com. — Anika Cobb